Assignment 1 guidance
Topic and content guidance for Assignment 1
Students should demonstrate an ability to:
• Critically evaluate the chosen aspect of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Early Years in relation to independent background reading of academic sources.
• Form coherent arguments in DISCUSSING the issues raised.
• Competently use relevant source material to articulate this information through an academic essay.
Essay structure:
Remember, this is an academic essay, therefore sub-headings should not be used; the information below is to help you to structure and organise your arguments.
Introduction:
– Provide an overview of your chosen topic (indicating which topic you have selected to discuss with links to SEL).
– You could discuss some background information to frame your argument.
– You could state the structure/format the essay will follow to guide the reader.
Essay development (main body of the essay):
– You are required to provide an overview of social and emotional development, and your chosen topic should be the main thread running through your essay – some questions for you to consider when planning:
What is social development? What is emotional development?
What are the internal/external factors that influence how children respond to each other/their own thoughts/feelings?
Which theories support this? Is there agreement, or are there differences in opinion?
Conclusion:
– Summarise the key-findings (based on evidence – refer to academic sources).
Essay tips:
Ensure you are answering the question, link your arguments back to the essay title.
Refer to academic sources throughout – journal articles will provide depth and detail.
Research studies will demonstrate the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of theories/strategies/support mechanisms – utilising articles can potentially strengthen your critical argument.
Can your discussion be enhanced with real-life examples? You could use studies/case studies – refer to journal articles for greater focus and more intricate details.
Remember, this is a critical piece of work, you should consider the arguments put forward from the literature and develop your own arguments based on the evidence from your reading.
EVALUATE the ideas of many (estimate/consider the value and significance of the arguments you are putting forward).
Compare and contrast sources – are there similarities? Are there differences?
What are the strengths of specific methods/approaches to support children?
What are the weaknesses?
Identifying obstacles/barriers is useful, but well-rounded arguments will also offer solutions – based on evidence.
You need to go beyond the content of the lecture slides and explore information in relation to your chosen topic in detail.
Are you focusing on a specific age range? If you are, it would be beneficial to make note of this to guide the reader and frame your discussion – ensure you are referring to appropriate literature to inform your arguments if you are going to be selective about a certain age group.
Make use of the reading list provided and the weekly resources folders – which contain additional resources to support your knowledge and understanding of the topic
